Kingdom of Knuffel

i want to get a license to be a practicing yoga instructor. there's a hatha yoga teacher training program that i've been eyeing for a while. and it's ideal for me; i've done a short workshop at the same institute before, so i've experienced the atmosphere, regimen, and facilities and know that they're good and that i can adapt to them.

it's a six month course and costs like $8300. i want to take a year's break after my degree and i could do it in that gap year. but my mom realllyyy doesn't want me to take a gap year. i'd take one anyway, because i know that i can't cope year after year in high stress. but i'd feel bad about how much it costs. it's not a big amount in itself, because we're paying around $3500 every year for my degree. but it's a large amount to pay in one go.

i'm on the fence because i've surveyed other programs and i know they won't do for me. i haven't talked to my parents about this yet. my father will probably be supportive but i'm going to feel really guilty because he always is. and i know my mom won't be happy at all. even the question of money is something i've surmised. as in it's definitely not cheap, but i haven't asked them whether it's affordable for us. even if i look at it as an investment.

that is a lot!
My younger sister took a course to be an instructor and it was less than half that much. She lives in San Diego CA. She enjoyed it a lot, but she tried to find a position for an instructor at a few yoga places and didnt get the job, space is very limited for this type job i think is the main issue with spending the money on it honestly.
She has a career already though, and was trying to do this as a side business. If it is your dream then peruse it! but i would not put all your money into it if you don't have a backup plan

@Bunnei yeah, it is a lot! the yoga instructor thing actually is a backup plan, and i know i wouldn't have trouble finding a job as an instructor because i'd have a sizeable customer base right at home. there's like 300 families in my apartment complex and many of them take yoga whenever someone offers classes, especially the stay-at-home moms. i could use my home space for the classes, too, and many of the customers would be acquaintances of family. i'd put up posters on the bulletin boards and a lot would show up through word of mouth too tbh. the institute also directs people to me after i've passed out, if they live close to my area.

i think it's a dream in the sense that i want to be doing it, making time for it, no matter what my main occupation may end up being? like it's important enough to me that i NEED it in my life no matter what. it is a lot of money though! so i really need to think this through sigh

Have you talked to the administrators of the program to ask if they have anything set up for alternative payment options or scholarships?
Maybe you can work a deal with them where you help out at the institute for a reduced tuition rate, that kind of thing.

It's worth asking, because the worst that happens is they say no, and then you're no worse off than you are now.

Akili Li wrote:Have you talked to the administrators of the program to ask if they have anything set up for alternative payment options or scholarships?
Maybe you can work a deal with them where you help out at the institute for a reduced tuition rate, that kind of thing.

It's worth asking, because the worst that happens is they say no, and then you're no worse off than you are now.

I agree. You might also check outside sources for scholarships or grants, just in case.

Wow... you really need a license to teach yoga? Weird, didm't know that lol